The 7 Amazing Benefits of Alpaca Wool and the Reasons You’ll Love It

Did you know that there are thought to be around 3 million Alpacas with about 94 percent of them living in South America? With so many benefits of this wonderful creature, you would think that the world would catch on and the population would rise. 

Most people don't even know that Alpaca wool is harvested and used in a variety of products with many benefits, though. Keep reading below and discover why people love it and the wonderful benefits that come with using Alpaca wool.

Types of Alpacas

Alpaca wool - 7 reasons to love alpaca wool

Before we go into the benefits of Alpaca wool, let's discuss the animal. There is only one species of Alpaca but in this species, there are two fleece types and this is where the difference comes in.

Huacaya Alpaca fleece is very similar to sheep's wool and has that teddy-bear fluffy feeling. The Suri alpaca, whose fleece is similar to goat's hair, can be described as looking like dreadlocks. 

Strangely enough, Alpaca wool isn't only white and there are 22 different colors, ranging from black all the way to gray and fawn. Each fleece type and color have the same characteristics. This wide range of coloring is why an Alpaca's wool can be used in a variety of clothing mills and for other products.

Where Is Alpaca Wool Used?

Alpaca wool fiber shares a lot of properties with sheep wool. Therefore, it is mainly used in the textiles industry for knitted and woven items like blankets, socks, sweaters, hats, gloves, coats, and bedding.

Alpaca wool can be used in the making of pretty much anything that needs to be knitted and woven. Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic, so it doesn't cause the itching or skin irritations that sheep's wool can cause. If you do have sensitive skin, alpaca wool is a must-use fiber for you.

Benefits of Alpaca Wool

You now know that alpacas aren't all the same and there is more to this species than meets the eye. Why should you use alpaca wool instead of traditional sheep's wool? The benefits below will make you re-think your entire operation.

1. Durability 

Probably the most beneficial element of alpaca wool is its durability. It is far more durable than sheep's wool and holds its shape much better.

If you are making clothes and want a fiber that can be rained on, used to work in, and doesn't get damaged, then wool from an alpaca is the fiber to use. Once made, any item can last for a good number of years before you will need to buy or make another one.

2. Natural and Biodegradable

Finding natural resources that can degrade without causing any harm to the environment is high on people's agenda. Alpaca wool is a natural fiber that is biodegradable if it were to be left on the ground.

Alpacas can shed their wool, which is why their wool is biodegradable. If you care about your eco-footprint, then using more alpaca fiber is the way to go.

3. Easy to Clean

For all the moms and dads whose children like to play outside and get dirty, alpaca wool-made clothing items are very easily cleaned by hand and are washing machine-friendly. 

The wool doesn't retain as much moisture as traditional wool clothing and can be simply laid out flat to dry in the sun. It will keep its original shape and feel for years.

4. Mold Resistant

Alpacas originate from high mountain tops that can have lots of moisture in the air. Because of this, alpaca wool is resistant to mold and mildew, which makes it the perfect fiber to use if you live in a cold, wet country.

5. Low Environmental Impact

Rearing and breeding alpacas have a very low impact on the environment. Unlike other animals that can destroy pastures and grazing grounds, alpacas do not, which makes their by-products have less impact in the world.

Their padded hooves tread softly on the ground and don't destroy land that would be rendered useless if sheep or cattle would be grazing on it. 

Their waste is contaminant-free and will rejuvenate the soil naturally with a herd of alpacas on top of it. They also don't require as much space, so deforestation isn't needed to make space for their grazing lands.

6. Warm When Wet

Alpaca wool is by far the best fiber to use in harsh conditions. While the outside of the garment may be wet, it won't affect the inside and it will still keep you warm.

The best ponchos in Peru and Bolivia all use alpaca wool for their effectiveness in keeping the body warm no matter the conditions.

7. Lighter Than Traditional Wool

An alpaca is an agile animal that can avoid predators with ease. The wool has become lighter over the years so that the alpaca can avoid them at all costs.

Using alpaca wool will then make your clothing lighter and more agile, which is why it is a favorite with cattlemen so they are not weighed down by their attire.

Furthermore, alpaca wool is flame resistant and won't turn into a fireball when set alight like polyester and other fabrics would. 

Alpaca Wool Is the Future

The benefits of using alpaca wool are plain for everybody to see. Spreading the word and providing more information to the population, using alpaca wool is definitely the future of the fiber industry.

Are you looking for handmade Alpaca wool clothing? Not sure where to get to the best made and sustainable product? Get in touch with our team and keep warm with the best in alpaca wool-made clothing!